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How to Find Public Records in Perry County in 2026
PerryCountyRecords.org provides access to publicly available information related to public records maintained by government agencies in Perry County, Illinois. Members of the public may use this resource to locate data associated with a range of record categories, including court filings, property documents, vital records, and other materials held by county offices. The information available through such resources reflects what government agencies have made accessible under applicable state law, and completeness may vary depending on the record type and the maintaining office.
Record categories that may be available include:
- Court records (civil, criminal, probate, and family law)
- Property deeds, mortgages, and liens
- Vital records (birth, death, marriage, and divorce)
- Tax and assessment records
- Business licenses and permits
- Voting and election records
- County board meeting minutes and agendas
- Law enforcement records, where permitted by law
Records in Perry County may be searched through official court resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools maintained by county and state agencies.
Online Access: The Illinois Courts Case Search portal provides access to circuit court case records for Perry County. The Illinois Secretary of State's office maintains business entity records online. Property and tax records may be accessible through the Perry County Assessor's office portal. Some records require no registration, while others may require account creation or identity verification.
In-Person Requests: Members of the public may visit the Perry County Clerk's Office or the Circuit Court Clerk's Office to inspect records in person. The Circuit Court Clerk is located at the Perry County Courthouse, 3 Public Square, Pinckneyville, IL 62274. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Requestors should bring a valid government-issued photo identification and be prepared to complete a written request form if required by the maintaining office.
Written/Mail Requests: Written requests may be submitted by mail to the relevant office. Requests should include the requestor's full name, mailing address, a description of the records sought, and the preferred format for delivery. Under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, public bodies are required to respond to written requests within five business days of receipt.
Phone/Email:
- Perry County Clerk: (618) 357-5116
- Perry County Circuit Court Clerk: (618) 357-6079
What Are Public Records in Perry County?
Public records in Perry County are defined by Illinois state law as all records, reports, forms, writings, letters, memoranda, books, papers, maps, photographs, microfilms, cards, tapes, recordings, electronic data processing records, electronic communications, recorded information, and all other documentary materials pertaining to the transaction of public business, regardless of physical form or characteristics. This definition is established under 5 ILCS 140/2, the Illinois Freedom of Information Act.
The following record types are maintained by Perry County government offices:
| Record Type | Maintaining Office |
|---|---|
| Civil, criminal, probate, family court records | Circuit Court Clerk |
| Property deeds, mortgages, liens | County Recorder |
| Vital records (birth, death, marriage) | County Clerk |
| Tax and assessment records | County Assessor / Treasurer |
| Business licenses and permits | County Clerk |
| Voting and election records | County Clerk |
| Meeting minutes and agendas | County Board / Clerk |
| Law enforcement records | Perry County Sheriff's Office |
| Land use and zoning records | County Planning and Zoning |
The Perry County Courthouse serves as the central hub for court-related records, including case search tools, court forms, electronic filing, and online payment services.
Is Perry County an Open Records County?
Perry County operates in full compliance with Illinois state open records law. Under 5 ILCS 140/1, the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), all public bodies in the state — including county offices — are required to make public records available for inspection and copying upon request, subject to specific statutory exemptions.
As stated in the Illinois FOIA, "It is the public policy of the State of Illinois that all persons are entitled to full and complete information regarding the affairs of government and the official acts and policies of those who represent them as public officials and public employees." This policy reflects the legislature's intent that transparency be the default standard for government recordkeeping.
Perry County public bodies are required to designate a FOIA officer responsible for receiving and responding to public records requests. Each county office — including the County Clerk, Circuit Court Clerk, Sheriff's Office, and Assessor — maintains its own FOIA compliance procedures consistent with state law. The Illinois Attorney General's Public Access Counselor provides guidance and oversight for FOIA compliance across all Illinois public bodies.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Public Records in Perry County?
The fee structure for public records in Perry County is governed by the Illinois Freedom of Information Act and applicable county fee schedules. Current fees reflect the standards established under state law.
Standard Copy Fees:
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Black-and-white copies (first 50 pages) | No charge |
| Black-and-white copies (pages 51 and beyond) | $0.15 per page |
| Color copies | Actual cost |
| Electronic records (when not in existing electronic format) | Actual cost of medium |
| Certification of records | Varies by office |
| Deed copies (Recorder's Office) | $1.00 per page |
Under 5 ILCS 140/6, public bodies may not charge fees that exceed the actual cost of reproducing records, and inspection of records must be permitted without charge. Fees for certified copies of vital records and court documents may differ from standard FOIA copy fees and are set by separate statutory authority.
Accepted payment methods at Perry County offices include cash, check, and money order. Some offices may accept credit or debit cards. Fee waivers are available when disclosure is in the public interest and the request is not made for commercial purposes, as provided under the Illinois FOIA.
Does Perry County Have Free Public Records?
Free inspection of public records is available at Perry County government offices. Under Illinois law, members of the public have the right to inspect public records at no charge during regular business hours. The obligation to pay fees arises only when copies are requested.
Free access to public records is available through the following government resources:
- Illinois Courts Case Search — The Illinois Courts online case search provides free access to circuit court case information for Perry County, including civil, criminal, and traffic case records.
- Illinois Secretary of State Business Search — Business entity records are available at no cost through the Illinois Secretary of State online portal.
- Perry County Assessor — Property assessment records may be inspected in person at no charge at the Assessor's office.
- County Clerk's Office — Voting records, meeting minutes, and certain other public documents are available for free inspection during office hours.
The distinction between free inspection and free copies is significant: while inspection carries no fee, obtaining physical or electronic copies may be subject to the fee schedule described above.
Who Can Request Public Records in Perry County?
Any person may request public records from Perry County government offices. Under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, eligibility to submit a FOIA request is not limited to Illinois residents, and requestors are not required to provide identification or state the purpose of their request as a condition of access to non-exempt records.
Key provisions regarding requestor eligibility include:
- Residency: Residency in Illinois or Perry County is not required to submit a public records request.
- Identification: Requestors are not required to provide identification for standard public records requests, though some offices may request it for administrative purposes.
- Purpose: Requestors are not required to state the reason for their request, except in limited circumstances where the purpose affects the applicable fee or exemption determination.
- Non-residents: Non-residents of Illinois retain the same rights to access public records as residents under state law.
- Personal records: Individuals requesting their own records — such as personal court filings or vital records — may be required to provide proof of identity to protect against unauthorized disclosure.
Certain record types, such as sealed court records, juvenile records, and law enforcement investigative files, carry additional access restrictions regardless of the requestor's identity or purpose.
What Records Are Confidential in Perry County?
Not all government records in Perry County are subject to public disclosure. The Illinois Freedom of Information Act establishes a comprehensive list of exemptions under 5 ILCS 140/7, which identifies categories of information that public bodies are authorized or required to withhold.
Confidential and exempt records in Perry County include:
- Sealed court records — Records sealed by judicial order are not available for public inspection.
- Juvenile records — Records pertaining to minors involved in delinquency or abuse proceedings are protected under the Juvenile Court Act.
- Ongoing law enforcement investigations — Records that would interfere with active investigations or endanger individuals are exempt from disclosure.
- Personal identifying information — Social Security numbers, financial account data, and similar identifiers are protected from disclosure.
- Medical records — Health information is protected under both state law and the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
- Adoption records — Adoption proceedings and related documents are sealed under Illinois law.
- Child welfare and protective services records — Records maintained by child protective agencies are confidential.
- Personnel records — Employee personnel files are exempt, with limited exceptions for certain public officials.
- Trade secrets and proprietary business information — Commercially sensitive information submitted to government agencies is protected.
- Security plans and critical infrastructure details — Documents related to the security of public facilities are withheld to protect public safety.
As stated in the Illinois FOIA, "A public body may elect to invoke its right to deny a request for a public record only to the extent necessary to prevent a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy." Public bodies are required to provide a written explanation when denying access to records, citing the specific statutory exemption that applies.
Perry County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours
Perry County Clerk and Recorder
3 Public Square
Pinckneyville, IL 62274
(618) 357-5116
Perry County Clerk and Recorder
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Closed on federal and state holidays
Perry County Circuit Court Clerk
3 Public Square
Pinckneyville, IL 62274
(618) 357-6079
Perry County Circuit Court Clerk
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Closed on federal and state holidays
Perry County Assessor's Office
3 Public Square
Pinckneyville, IL 62274
(618) 357-5177
Perry County Assessor
Perry County Sheriff's Office
3889 State Route 13
Pinckneyville, IL 62274
(618) 357-2115
Perry County Sheriff's Office
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
The Sheriff's Office maintains a 24-hour dispatch line for law enforcement matters